Marc Wilmots, who coaches the Chelsea winger for Belgium’s national team, thinks the attacker deserves a spot on the Ballon d’Or podium in future
Belgium boss Marc Wilmots has claimed he would prefer Eden Hazard in his team than Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo or Neymar.
The Chelsea star, 23, has been in stellar form in the Premier League lately and has helped his side rocket up to the top of the table at Arsenal and Manchester City’s expense.
Wilmots, who is sure to take Hazard to this summer’s World Cup, lavished praise on the former Lille winger, whom he believes is becoming a candidate for the Ballon d’Or with his performances at Stamford Bridge.
“Eden has found in the Belgium team a side that can take him as high as his dreams,” the Belgium head coach told L’Equipe.
“Even within a very strong team, Eden stands out because he has something more. Technically, he is amazing! I’d put him on my podium Ballon d’Or because he totally convinced me of his talent.
“If you ask me if I want Messi, Ronaldo or Neymar, I’d keep Hazard.”
Wilmots thinks Hazard can replicate Messi and Ronaldo’s impact in La Liga, and pointed to the young Belgian’s performance as Jose Mourinho’s side beat Manchester City earlier this month as evidence of his prowess.
“Eden is already plays the centrepiece at Chelsea,” the trainer added. “Messi and Ronaldo have made the difference at Barcelona and Real for five years, and Eden will do the same.
“At Manchester City, he toyed with defenders internationally! He is, however, still very young and is advancing step by step. He is intelligent, he knew he had to make efforts to reach the top. He has also learned to heal very well; he is hardly ever injured.
“His small flaws, of which Mourinho and I have noted, are almost never seen nowadays, in particular his former nonchalance. His defensive impact is huge and his work for the team as well.”